Treatments Container

Campus Container

explore our CAMPUS

What's cool about our campus is that it's spread out over seven acres in Philadelphia's historic neighborhood of Germantown. The buildings are an eclectic mix of old and new, a unique look and feel more consistent with a college campus. With three gyms, three auditoriums, a student center, numerous open, green spaces and nine classroom buildings, it's a place worthy of adoration and exploration. The Meetinghouse, at the center of it all, provides a beautiful and spiritual focal point.

Values Container

The Pillars of A

Quaker Education

At GFS, students and teachers gather in Meeting for Worship once each week. This is a time for shared, silent contemplation. Anyone who feels moved to speak may rise and do so. It is a simple formula, and can be a remarkably powerful experience.In these days of constant connectivity, the ability and opportunity to sit in silence have special value. Meeting for Worship is a cornerstone of the GFS culture that many come to cherish throughout their lives.

Grid Container

speak the truth

We strive to deal fairly, equally and honestly with everyone. We aim to do as we say, reflecting our beliefs in our actions. even when it is inconvenient or challenging, we stand by our convictions, striving to lead lives of integrity.

Shine Together

We are all blessed with remarkable gifts. We are equally qualified to seek truth and to hear the voice of God. Every person deserves equal respect. For these reasons, we work against prejudice and discrimination and for equality.

stay connected

"Alone we can do little; together we can do so much."* We know there is strength in cooperation and wisdom to be found when many perspectives come together. We believe in the power of community.* The words of Helen Keller.

keep it simple

In every way we can, we try to minimize the distractions that can draw our attention from the important things in life. This means not becoming overwhelmed by the busyness of daily routine. It means seeking balance. It means embracing simplicity.

care for all

This planet we inhabit, the talents we've been given, the community of which we are a part- all hold remarkable value. We must be responsible, imaginative and proactive in protecting these gifts and caring for the world and people around us. We must exercise good stewardship.

promote peace

We believe each life is precious and unique. We stand against war and violence and work to eliminate their root causes, including ignorance, racism, hatred and oppression. We are committed to creating peace.

News

This new team of Upper School students is the product of Sara Primo's Essentially English course "Peer Writing Advisor Training." Peer Writing Advisors, currently nineteen 11th and 12th graders, work with other students to help them develop their ideas, and to encourage the notion of writing well as a process, rather than a race to the finish.

Sara wants students and teachers to know that the work of the Peer Writing Advisors does not just apply to English class assignments, and it not just for Upper Schoolers. Already this year, Peer Writing Advisors have visited history classes, and they're poised to take on writing assignments in language classes as well. June Gondi, the Middle School coordinator for this program, is working to create more opportunities for class visits and even workshops in the Middle School. June and Sara's goal is for it to be an accessible, ongoing resource for grades 6 through 12.

"It's about ideas, not just about editing," Sara explains. Here, the Peer Writing Advisors explain what they do in their own words:

"We're people who serve as 'mirrors' for others' minds."

"This class is a training course in how to work with people when revising their work. We learn not only how to revise in the literal sense (grammar, format, etc.) but also how to relate to our peers; how to make them feel comfortable; how to not overstep boundaries."

"We can help with any stage in the writing process, and we are all friendly."

"We are here as a sounding board for their ideas. We're not there to write the essays or assignments. The advisee has the power, not us."

"We're basically a group of students who you can talk through your ideas with. (There's a) conversational aspect... We aren't just proofreaders."

"We are advising people on their writing. We ask what they want to work on and then help them... express their ideas more fully."

"The PWA program is a program that provides students with a healthy environment to improve as writers with the help and support of a peer."

If you're a student interested in working with a Peer Writing Advisor, you can make, cancel, or modify Peer Writing Advisor appointments by logging into the scheduling system here and using the username/password from your GFS account.